Correlation of band 3 protein levels with physiologic conditions in middle‐aged and elderly people

Band 3 protein is the most abundant membrane protein in human red blood cells (RBCs). Oxidative stress induces alterations in membrane lipids and proteins resulting in a reduction in band 3 ratio or clustering of band 3. The aim of this study was to investigate correlation of band 3 protein levels in erythrocyte membrane with physiologic conditions. Blood samples were collected from 219 middle‐aged and elderly people (80 males and 139 females) and their physical activities were recorded. The band 3 protein was determined by the SDS PAGE. Results showed a significant positive correlation between the levels of band 3 protein and physical activity (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the levels of band 3 protein and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). There was no correlation between band 3 protein and gender, educational level, age, BMI, waist circumference, waist‐hip ratio, or diastolic pressure. The level of band 3 protein in medium worker was significantly higher than light worker (24.12% vs. 23.42%, p<0.05). People with hypertension had lower band 3 protein levels compared to those with normal blood pressure (23.33% vs. 24.22%, p<0.05). These results indicate that band 3 proten may potentially serve as a biomarker for health status and certain diseases. Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number 30872103).